List index out of range (python)

Question

I am creating a word generator for playing charades, and it works for about six words, then says "List index out of range."

this is my code:

def selection(word):
    while True:
        from random import randint
        sel = randint(1,10)
        print(word[sel])
        input("\nPress enter to select a new word.")

print("Type in ten words to add to the list.")
words = []
words.append(input("1st word: "))
words.append(input("2nd word: "))
words.append(input("3rd word: "))
words.append(input("4th word: "))
words.append(input("5th word: "))
words.append(input("6th word: "))
words.append(input("7th word: "))
words.append(input("8th word: "))
words.append(input("9th word: "))
words.append(input("10th word: "))
input("\nPress enter to randomly select a word.")
selection(words)

is there any specific reason you're importing randint repeatedly in the loop? — ev-br
– ev-br, Commented Nov 11, 2012 at 23:17

Tim · Accepted Answer · 2012-11-11 23:11:49Z

6

You are currently picking a number between 1 and 10, inclusive. Python lists are 0 indexed, so you should be picking a number between 0 and 9.

sel = randint(0, 9)

This is also a good place to use the choice() function. It picks a random element from a sequence (eg a list).

random_word = random.choice(words)

answered Nov 11, 2012 at 23:11

Tim

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2 Comments

Charlie Kimzey Over a year ago

Also, if I wanted to make it so that the user could type in any number of words, how would I make it only select one of those words instead of one between 1 and some specified number?

John La Rooy Over a year ago

@CharlieKimzey, random.choice. Notice you can just pass a list of words. You don't need to tell choice how many words there are.

Jakob Bowyer · Accepted Answer · 2012-11-11 23:12:27Z

0

Also, not really an answer but you can do

for i in xrange(0, 9):
    words.append(input("{0}st word: ".format(i + 1))

Also

random.choice

answered Nov 11, 2012 at 23:12

Jakob Bowyer

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3 Comments

Charlie Kimzey Over a year ago

Could you please explain what that does?

Artsiom Rudzenka Over a year ago

will not work - since generate values from 0 to 8 including - 9 will be missed

John La Rooy Over a year ago

This will print lines like "2st word"

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